Friday, November 21, 2008

As I've mentioned a few times in the past my musical taste has stemmed most predominately from my upbringing in a family that loves classical music, and through listening to the classics during my ballet training. So it goes without saying that I lean toward bands and artists with classical backgrounds. I especially lean toward those with symphonic and orchestral sounds. So many of my favorite bands and artists are those like Yngwie Malmsteen, Nightwish, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, and of course, Evanescence.

My favorite track of their album "The Open Door" is most definitely "Lacrymosa". The symphonic sound, the chorus in the background, and of course Amy's voice. What many people don't know (though I'm sure die-hard Ev fans, and Mozart fans alike do know)is that the entire backing for this song, not including the electric guitar parts, is Mozart's "Lacrimosa".

"I saw Amadeus when I was nine years old and fell in love with Mozart. The part of Mozart's Requiem called "Lacrimosa" is my favorite piece of music ever. I always wished we could cover it, but with programming and guitars and make it cool. It's our moment to try all the things I wanted to and couldn't, so I started messing with it in Protools. Terry wrote some riffs and turned it into this awesome metal epic." -Amy Lee

And boy is it amazing! I love how well it blended, her vocals and lyrics with Mozart's masterpiece playing in the background. The original Mozart piece has such power in it, yet it's expressed with elegant and mournful notes. It really is quite amazing.

I'd never thought of what would happen if you were to write your own song, but use a classical piece as the basic structure of it. It seemed a bit undo able, that you would butcher the original piece or that it just wouldn't work...covering a classical piece and turning it into something with a metal sound, I knew that would work. It's been done, and done wonderfully, but this was something different all-together, yet it came out utterly perfect.

I really believe this to be Evanescence's best song on an epic scale, and on a scale of sound.

So, To show everyone the bigger picture I'm posting three videos. One, Mozart's original piece "Lacrimosa", two Evanescence's finished song "Lacrymosa", and three and re-mix of Ev's song that is rumoured to be the original version.

Enjoy!

Mozart's "Lacrimosa" (From Requiem)(The Video Shows The Music For The Vocal Melodies)

Evanescence's "Lacrymosa" (Remix)(This version is rumored to have been written for the opening scene of "The Chronicles Of Narnia" movie, but was not approved because it was not considered "original" because of the use of Mozart's "Lacrimosa")

Evanescence Lyrics

Out on your own,Cold and alone again.Can this be what you really wanted, baby?

Blame it on me,Set your guilt free.Nothing can hold you back now.

Now that you're gone,I feel like myself again.Grieving the things I can't repair and willing...

To let you blame it on me,And set your guilt free.I don't want to hold you back now love.

I can't change who I am.Not this time, I won't lie to keep you near me.And in this short life, there's no time to waste on giving up.My love wasn't enough.

And you can blame it on me,Just set your guilt free, honey.I don't want to hold you back now love.

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Cowgirl4christ made a post on Skillet's album Comatose awhile back, but didn't really go into the individual songs and focused a bit more on Skillet as a band and on the album. Be sure to read that post!

I'm posting about one of the songs on that album, "whispers in the dark". I first listened to the song a few weeks ago after I downloaded a playlist on Rhapsody.I immediately fell captive to the back beat and guitar. The song really has an epic feel.

The lead singers voice has this urgency, but a soft reassuring urgency, one of hope. The lyrics are also those of hope. He's telling someone he's there for them, he'll do anything to see them happy and safe.

You get a sense of comfort when hearing this song, not in the sense that it's a mild and quiet song, no it's far from it with the pounding bass and hard core rock sound, but just from the overall feel you can't help but relax.

This song has become one of my all-time favorites, so check it out!

Enjoy!

Skillet-Whispers In The Dark

Despite the lies that you're makingYour love is mine for the takingMy love is just waitingTo turn your tears to roses

Despite the lies that you're makingYour love is mine for the takingMy love is just waitingTo turn your tears to roses

I will be the one that's gonna hold youI will be the one that you run toMy love is a burning, consuming fire

No, you'll never be aloneWhen darkness comesI'll light the night with starsHear my whispers in the dark

No, you'll never be aloneWhen darkness comesYou know I'm never farHear my whispers in the dark

Whispers in the dark

You feel so lonely and raggedYou lay here broken and nakedMy love is just waitingTo clothe you in crimson roses

I will be the one that's gonna find youI will be the one that's gonna guide youMy love is a burning, consuming fire

No, you'll never be aloneWhen darkness comesI'll light the night with starsHear my whispers in the dark

No, you'll never be aloneWhen darkness comesYou know I'm never farHear the whispers in the dark

No, you'll never be aloneWhen darkness comesI'll light the night with starsHear my whispers in the dark

No, you'll never be aloneWhen darkness comesYou know I'm never farHear the whispers in the dark

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

I never used to be a big fan of Coldplay. I guess, in honesty, I never really gave them a chance. The first song I ever heard by this band was Clocks back when that song was very popular mainstream ... and after that I just never went out of my way to listen to them.I received the album Viva la Vida or Death And All His Friends (2008; commonly referred to simply as Viva la Vida) for my birthday this year, and over the past few months I have really fallen in love with most of the tracks on the album. The group's unique soft-rock style, which combine lovely vocal harmonies and captivating instrumental melodies, has really captured my attention and gotten me hooked not only on Coldplay's recent work, but on their past efforts as well.Please enjoy an album review for Coldplay's Viva la Vida or Death And All His Friends.

Coldplay - Viva la Vida or Death And All His Friends (2008)

1. Life in Technicolor - A pleasant, simple melody to start the album off. Two and a half minutes long, the piece starts off slow and beings to incorporate more and more parts, becoming more intricate with every repetition of the original theme. The crescendo lasts until the final seconds of the song, before transitioning seamlessly into Track 2.2. Cemeteries of London - One of my favorites on the album. A steady strumming of acoustic guitars and rhythmic bass underlie the main melodies of this track, while the vocals flow smoothly along, alternating between short verses and long, legato choruses. The lyrics are beautiful and overall, this track is just lovely to listen to.3. Lost! - This track starts out with hands clapping a steady pulse. This clapping rhythm continues throughout the track, while the simple-but-sweet lyrics continue in a smooth style. The track remains in simple form until just over half the song is over, when a guitar kicks in to add to the appeal. As backing vocals fade out toward and a keyboard wraps things up, you really get a feel for a certain peaceful, yet powerful essence that this song possesses.4. 42 - This track picks up almost immediately where the previous one ended. Passionate, soulful vocals start off slowly, accompanied by a gorgeous piano melody in the background. About midway, the tempo picks up with a pleasant medley of guitar, string and bass which are later joined by quicker, more upbeat vocals that are again joined by the piano. I enjoy the "second half" of this song more, when the tempo picks up in a more lively style for the last few verses. Just a very pleasant song overall.5. Lovers In Japan / Reign of Love - Definitely one of my favorites on the album. The track almost seems to be split into two different songs; hence the two separate titles. The first half of the song is an upbeat track with a shot of intuition. The second half is a slower, more subtle track with lyrics delivered in a bittersweet, reminiscent style. The piano melodies are the key factor in both halves of the song and, as a whole, I just love everything about this track.6. Yes - A deeper vocal range immediately sets this song apart from the rest on the album. Strings start the track off, giving you the impression that maybe this one will be slower as well; however, when the guitar takes over a few seconds in, an entirely different feel takes over the track. The strings do make a re-appearance later in the track, but the repeating guitar theme is the star of this track. The entire song has a sultry, sexy vibe about it, and as a whole it's just a fun one to listen to. A different sound for the band, and I commend that.7. Viva la Vida - Probably the most recognizable single off of the album,; the minute the strings start off with their staccato melody, you know exactly what song you're listening to. Track Seven has been playing constantly on the radio, has taken over music television, and has been hitting the top of the charts all over the world. The mass support of this song seems to have died down in the public eye, but the song is no less enjoyable to listen to. Just a beautiful song overall.8. Violet Hill - Another of my favorites on the album. The lyrics themselves are heartbreakingly beautiful, but they are delivered in a way that isn't upsetting; bittersweet, but at the same time, sort of at peace. I love the guitar melodies in the instrumental bridge and the keyboard melodies in the first and last verses. Overall, there just isn't anything about this track that doesn't appeal to me. Beautiful, beautiful track.9. Strawberry Swing - A very lovely song. The standout of this track is the guitar melody that begins right off the bat and sustains throughout the entire song. The lyrics are soft and simple, giving you a feeling of peace and security. A steady bass line keeps the tempo going, and when an acoustic guitar begins to strum near the end of the track, you get a full feeling for the track's mood. Just a sweet, sweet song.10. Death And All His Friends - The final track on the album starts out with a simple keyboard melody, quiet vocals, and the eventual addition of a guitar, plucking a few notes here and there. As the song progresses, the guitar begins to adopt a more intricate melody before the tempo picks up and the bass drum stamps out a steady beat. A portion of the song is simply this hard-and-fast melody, but when the mood settles down again, the vocals return with an absolutely gorgeous chorus-style effect. The last two minutes of the song settle down into another combination of vocal and keyboard melodies which really give you a sense of closure as the album finally ends.

I'm really glad I've had the chance to get to know Coldplay a little bit more. I've discovered that they have created the perfect music to play in the car when you're driving down a sunny highway - or to put on and concentrate with when you just need a minute to think.If you're interested in the music Coldplay has created, check out these links:

Coldplay's website has everything you need to know about the band, from tour dates and discography to contests and news.

Lyrics to all the songs on this album and Coldplay's other works can be found on this website.

And take a minute to look at the post Amy made for another beautiful Coldplay song, titled Yellow.

I'm going to try and branch out past the always popular Viva la Vida and post a video for another of Coldplay's amazing songs. This video is a fairly new release, and I find very captivating, even if it does make me dizzy ;) The song is also one of my album fav's. This video includes the "first half" of the song.Here's Lovers In Japan by Coldplay.

Monday, November 10, 2008

It's been a while since I've made a post on this site, so I decided to post about one of my all-time favorite songs, hands down.

I've been a David Bowie fan for years and years. I was the only eleven-year-old I knew who could sing "Space Oddity" by heart, but out of all his songs the one that will always be my favorite is "Heroes".

A song far ahead of it's time in terms of sound. My dad told me that when it first came out it was nearly unlistenable because of the style, no one had made music like this yet.

Bowie's voice always seems to pour his heart into the songs. He has a yearning sound, one that I've yet to find in any other artist. "Heroes" emphisised that longing and used it to it's betterment. Between the amazing, timeless, melody and the wonderful lyrics, I consider this a masterpiece for rock music.

In addition to sharing Bowie's version of "Heroes" with you I'm going to share something I came across just a month ago. A German cover of the song, "Helden" beautifully performed by Apocalyptica. They tweak the style ever so slightly to incorperate the metal sound and those amazing cellos. And add deep rough German vocals.

Both versions are amazing, and are must listens. Not just for Bowie fans, but for music lovers the world round.

Enjoy!

Heroes (Live)-David Bowie

Heroes Lyrics (English)

I, I will be kingAnd you, you will be queenThough nothing will drive them awayWe can beat them just for one dayWe can be heroes just for one day

And you, you can be meanAnd I, I'll drink all the time'Cause we're lovers and that is a factYes we're lovers and that is that

Though nothing will keep us togetherWe could steal time just for one dayWe can be heroes for ever and everWhat d'you say?

I, I wish I could swimLike the dolphins, like dolphins can swimThough nothing, though nothing will keep us togetherWe can beat them for ever and everOh, we can be heroes just for one day

I, I will be kingAnd you, you will be queenThough nothing will drive them awayWe can be heroes just for one dayOh, we can be heroes just for one day

I, I rememberStanding by the wallThe guns shot above our headsAnd we kissed as though nothing could fallAnd the shame was on the other sideOh, we can beat them for ever and everThen we can be heroes just for one dayWe can be heroesWe can be heroes

We can be heroesJust for one dayWe can be heroes

We're nothing and nothing will help usMaybe we're lying then you better not stayBut we could be safer just for one day

Saturday, November 8, 2008

This is a song that I have been absolutely obsessed with lately.The first song I ever heard by The Offspring was The Kids Aren't Alright. A catchy track, I made a mental note to keep listening for more by the band. The second song of theirs to catch my attention was Hammerhead, and, finally, the track I'm going to review for you today; You're Gonna Go Far, Kid.There are just so many elements to this song that appeal to me. As a whole, the punk-rock genre of the band caught my attention. This was a group that wasn't afraid to get a little crazy, to be a little "out-there"; to take risks that other bands wouldn't attempt. I love that in my music and The Offspring went all the way with that in this track.It's impossible not to become drawn into the driving beat that opens the song right off the bat. From there, it's a whirlwind of off-beat cymbals, staccato bass, and killer guitar parts which, combined, create an emotionally driven background for an already powerful track. Add on the lyrics - overflowing with a sense of strength, courage, anger and defiance, all at once - and this is one song that draws you in and keeps you hanging on.And once it's over, you can't help but hit "repeat" and enjoy it all over again.

This is The Offspring's You're Gonna Go Far, Kid.

The Offspring - You're Gonna Go Far, Kid Official Music Video

You're Gonna Go Far, KidThe Offspring

Show me how to lie, you’re getting better all the timeAnd turning all against the one, it's an art that’s hard to teachAnother clever word sets off an unsuspecting herdAnd as you step back into line, a mob jumps to their feet

Now dance, fucker, danceMan, he never had a chanceAnd no one even knew, it was really only youAnd now you steal awayTake him out todayNice work you didYou’re gonna go far, kid

With a thousand lies and a good disguiseHit ‘em right between the eyes, hit ‘em right between the eyesWhen you walk away, nothing more to saySee the lightning in your eyesSee ‘em running, for their lives

Slowly out of line, and drifting closer in your sightsSo play it out I’m wide awake, it’s a scene about meThere’s something in your way and now someone is gonna payAnd if you can’t get what you want, well it’s all because of me

Now dance, fucker, danceMan, I never had a chanceAnd no one even knew, it was really only youAnd now you’ll lead the wayShow the light of dayNice work you didYou’re gonna go far, kidTrust, deceived!

With a thousand lies and a good disguiseHit ‘em right between the eyes, hit ‘em right between the eyesWhen you walk away, nothing more to saySee the lightning in your eyesSee ‘em running, for their lives

Now dance, fucker, dance, he never had a chanceAnd no one even knew, it was really only youSo dance, fucker, dance, I never had a chanceIt was really only you ...

With a thousand lies and a good disguiseHit ‘em right between the eyes, hit ‘em right between the eyesWhen you walk away, nothing more to saySee the lightning in your eyesSee ‘em running, for their lives

Clever alibis, Lord of the fliesHit ‘em right between the eyes, hit ‘em right between the eyesWhen you walk away, nothing more to saySee the lightning in your eyesSee ‘em running, for their lives!

Future Reviews:

- Keep checking back for updates in the new "Then & Now" series; a look back in the archives of this blog, talking about cowgirl4christ's opinions on several artists then ... and now.

- Mott The Hoople's song, All The Young Dudes

About The Blog

Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent.~ Victor Hugo

This blog is a collection of cowgirl4christ, Reno, and Amy's favorite music. The posts on this blog will vary greatly in content, from song lyrics to album reviews. All of us have different tastes when it comes to our music, and the songs and artists mentioned here will be a little bit country, and a little bit rock & roll. However, there is one thing we all agree on; life wouldn't be the same without our music. For, as our blog title explains, music.is.life

A Note

To see all posts featuring the above mentioned artist, enter the artist's name in the field at the top left hand corner of your screen and then click "Search Blog".Keep in mind that the search engine is ridiculously vague. Putting your search in quotes may help narrow down the results.